sketching

There were no art classes – because of the holiday – for over a week. For some unexplained reason I began to wonder why I was taking drawing classes. Previous to retirement the only “extra-curricular” activities I did had a purpose – professional enrichment, teaching others, meeting requirements etc. I have no desire (we won’t talk about talent) to exhibit or sell nude drawings . . . For some reason, simply seeking personal enjoyment seemed strange at best and hollow at worst.

I’m still not sure why my disquiet and only share it wondering if you, too, have questioned just doing something simply for self-enjoyment?

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This model was known for his muscular, regal bearing. He has lost weight and thee is a vulnerability that wasn’t apparent before.

Been doing and redoing drawings to amuse myself. These were originally quick sketches from life drawing. I “colorized” them trying to teach myself how to use pastel. It’s easier to practice on sketches I was going to throw away because there’s nothing to lose!!

I know, I KNOW, you’ve missed me this past week(I do NOT want to know if you didn’t). In my life long effort to be better focused I tried to cut down on my computer time . . . browsing the internet, reading blog posts, watching videos, reading the news . . . AND posting. It really worked except for browsing the internet, reading blog posts, watching videos and reading the news.

With all the time I’ve gained by not postingI’ve been gardening and messing around with sketching. I tried (tried being the operant word) to use my new pastels to do a realistic portrait.

The lady I drew (using a famous portrait as a reference) was so ugly I was embarrassed to show her in public. So I just had fun and gave her a cosmetic make-up. The background got to be so ugly and muddied I just cut it away. She’s no beauty either but I had nothing else to post . . .

Now that I’ve posted I’m on to browsing the internet, reading blog posts, watching videos and reading the news.

In my drawing class we’re suppose to rapid sketch every day. I’ve been rather lax so decided to participate (sorta) in the on-line #CreativeSprint to do something creative every day. I figure if I do 3 sketches at one time it counts as 3 days for both the class and the sprint. I’m ahead of the game! Here’s 14 days worth: